3D Printing Introduction: MP Select Mini V2

[@aytviewer2421]

Thank you for the introduction to 3D Printing. This is one area that I have never been exposed to and I appreciate your walk-through of the basics of printing 3D objects.

[@motorbikesandhacks]

This was my first printer, it's been serving me well for 2 years. The small size was great for the limited space I have, and besides the over sensitive jog wheel, I've had no issue with it. Easy to set up and reliable.

[@bob-ny6kn]

Have your prints stayed intact? Do any of them suffer from stress or shear along layers? What would you say are best practices for printing the most rugged piece?

[@MaxMichel89]

Also have thus printer. You can Print a replacement wheel. It ist day and night difference.

[@motorbikesandhacks]

prints have been very good, no major delamination

[@peircedan]

@@bob-ny6kn I have had no issues but I only use PLA.

[@vatterger]

8:48 You should always level when everything is heated up to the same temperature you are printing with. The bed and nozzle warp with heat, so the distance you set while cold will change once the printer heats up. Also, once you have used the printer for a few times, solidified residues of plastic on the nozzle can throw off your levelling accuracy, unless you heat it up before levelling.

[@ExplainingComputers]

Very good advice.

[@joegee2815]

Where were you 2 years ago when I struggled with my Ender printer? I bet this was the cause of a lot of my grief. It makes perfect sense and should have been obvious to me. Thanks!

[@AndrewAHayes]

Chep did an experiment on Friday to evaluate the heating of the bed and nozzle before tramming the bed and came up with the conclusion that the expansion is negligible and not required

[@guidomersmann9744]

@@ExplainingComputers A small note about the four screw print bed: You only need to adjust three of them to define a surface. The print bed is over constrained with four points in space. No clue why printers still come with four screws these days. You can sort of work around by just ignoring e.g. the back left one and only adjust with the other ones. This way setup is far easier, but still not perfect as the one ignored still pulls/pushes the corner.

[@ExplainingComputers]

@@guidomersmann9744 Your point on four points is well made. But you cannot ignore any of the screws -- the bed does not just need to be level (as in flat relative to the print mechanism), but at the right height (level). So if the corner you ignore is at the wrong level, there is a problem. You could only ignore one point if it were always at the right height! :)

[@greg4367]

Looking forward to your follow-ons, especially the free CAD ones.

[@richleyden6839]

The thorough research you've done preparing this video is evident and appreciated. That included not just setting expectations for the uninitiated, but also detailed potential weaknesses of the specific machine. I have not yet made the leap to purchasing a 3D printer for my home, despite having years of work-related experience. Perhaps, more accurately, I'm hesitant exactly because of seeing the limitations of even professional grade 3D printers and their printed objects. I hope that you will explore the use cases for such a machine for a variety of your viewers, handyman, hobbist, and other non-youtube-creators. Hint; I don't need (any more) cartoon animals. How about replacing a broken laptop case, kitchen appliance part, dryer door latch, ...?

[@kychemclass5850]

I suggest you just take the plunge. Going with conformity is probably the best advice for a 1st printer. I really don't think you can go wrong with the Creality Ender-3 V2. Lots of resources online should you need to reference something. Lots of supporting hardware too (p.s. I or anyone I know has no connection with Creality, but I do own two Ender 3 pro's with purchased upgrades to turn them into the 'V2' version)

[@dc155h]

I've been waiting years for a cheap and reliable model for home use that many of us will barely give it. It is a piece of simple technology, but at the same time science fiction from our childhood. very excited to see that we are getting closer to seeing them in each house.

[@martinkuhk]

It's also the first 3D printer I've ever owned and I absolutely love it. It's certainly not a 3D printer that 'just works' but it has all the essence of 3D printing. All the testing, failure, calibration, and problem-solving are just lots of fun. I think it's a really good 3D printer if we want to learn 3D printing in-depth.

[@jamesprocter102]

Always such a pleasure to watch and learn from your videos. Can't wait to see how raspberrypi enclosures and this printer work in future videos. Great job..

[@caseykreicar]

You make the most user friendly tutorials on KZbin for tech related topics, much thanks from here in the U.S.

[@ExplainingComputers]

Thanks!

[@smuludgn]

Thank you for your channel. I still can't believe there is a channel like yours exist...

[@daveseddon5227]

This is my next major project. I say major because I have to build the workshop for it before I buy the printer! 2022 is going to be fun & !'m pleased that you will be producing content for what will be, for me, a new hobby! Great video, Chris - thanks! 🙂

[@ExplainingComputers]

Good luck with what sounds like at least two projects!

[@zipkitty]

I watch almost every video posted on this channel. The editing style and composition of the video is very structured and predictable (which is not a bad thing at all). It soothes me and I enjoy learning new things from the video. Thank you for making content palatable for people on the spectrum. 💚

[@ExplainingComputers]

Thanks for your kind feedback, most appreciated.

[@mevk1]

@@ExplainingComputers Would you expect anything less than greatness from a university instructor. So glad you are sharing your wealth of knowledge with the whole world.

[@MVVblog]

You don't know but this video is "GOLD" !!!!

[@windmill1965]

Thank you! I have zero experience with 3D printing. This is a very clear explanation about how to use the machine, and how the workflow looks like.

[@Graham_Rule]

A Monoprice item that has multiple prices. This certainly looks like a useful and affordable tool.

[@howardwilliams2587]

So now you are clairvoyant - my learn something new for 2022 was ... yep 3D printing. This was the perfect introduction for me and I truly appreciate this video series and can't wait until you cover the software.

[@Songfugel]

Thank you for demystifying the 3D printing process!

[@ThePowerOfYou]

As ALWAYS, Superb quality and organized Video! You are a very good teacher professor! Thanks for your work !

[@zuryan]

6:55 rather than a glass bed, I would recommending the upgrade to a magnetic build plate. I did this on an earlier version of this printer and it's a lot nicer to use compared to glass. also that lever of the feed mechanism may not last very long. PLA can become brittle over time and break under the stress of the spring. there are inexpensive metal versions available though.

[@bookvee]

I just realised. I actually own one of your books! I never really noticed you were the same person before. It was a gift from a guy I used to work with who kept a copy visible on his desk at all times.

[@ExplainingComputers]

Great to hear! :)

[@Hadw1n]

I am super excited for the 3D printing series. :)

[@grahamlewis6777]

This is the best 'intro to 3D printing' I've seen with good graphics explaining the set up, creation work flow and the software. Great work!

[@ExplainingComputers]

Wow, thanks!

[@philspencelayh5464]

Up until now 3D printing has been a bit of a mystery, still pretty mysterious but a lot clearer. Thanks

[@gonefilming2020]

Thank you, Christopher, for a report that made me virtually run out and get one of these marvels. 🙂 Bought it for € 180, added a spool of filament - it all arrived within 48 hrs. Leveling was a challenge, as the bed is anything but flat. The compromise worked though.🙄 First print with the white PLA supplied (the kittycat) worked as advertised - no issues. 👍 I got a spool of black PETG as I needed to print some outdoor resistant parts. After playing a little with Cura and the settings for the PETG filament, I could produce the feeder parts on second try! Absolutely amazing. 🙂👍🍀 If all it does to produce a scale model of a van roof adapter, that I can then get produced at actual size - it has paid for itself.😎 Thanks again! 🙏☺

[@ExplainingComputers]

This is great to hear. Sounds like you have been busy! :)

[@mtranchi]

I dunno, I like your signature white background. Nice touch with the white floor too 3:15

[@RobertBlow]

I have been 3D printing many years and this introduction for beginners is excellent.

[@ExplainingComputers]

Many thanks. :)

[@IAmMarwood]

Wonderful introduction to 3D printing, specifically with a "cheap" or low cost model. I keep looking at buying something but have been unsure where to start and this has really helped. Of course another problem I have is that I don't know why I want one or what I'd do with it if I got one but that's a detail I'm sure we can gloss over for now :D

[@dvdvnr]

Aha, the "it's shiny" reason for wanting one - yep, I'd say I'm in the same category!

[@RottnRobbie]

In the early dAus of home computers - and by "early", I mean before the Apple ][ and it's competitors - the two most common questions owners got asked were "Why do you want one?" and "What can you do with it?"

[@thomasmcguire2227]

Thanks for explaining 3-D printing workflow. Our local library had a "library of things "but, only the librarians could run the 3-D printers. Now I know what they were doing and how they could tell a 3-D print would take more than 3 hours allotment.

[@player07441]

it is imposable to 3d print more excitement that i have when i see you have uploaded

[@ExplainingComputers]

:)

[@rickh8380]

Thanks Chris for this video. After watching this... I think I will give 3D Printing a try. Always thought the printers were too expensive. With websites providing print files... I'm more motivated to purchase one. This has been one of my favorite videos in awhile. Take care. Cheers

[@ExplainingComputers]

Thanks for this. Good luck if you go ahead! :)

[@ansientwun]

Very timely as I'm looking at getting my first to support my high power rocketry and ham radio hobbies. Thanks for the great advice!

[@jaggietube]

Eager to see what the hell your head will come through inventing great applications for your new tool. Sure you'll make me imitate you. All my admiration for your long history of informative Videos. You amaze me every week. Thanks for all, Christian!

[@timmersoft]

Very excited about your future 3d printer videos! I’ve been wanting to get one for a while.

[@UKSCIENCEORG]

Thanks Chris. I'm really looking forward to this series!

[@pntrk]

Same here, really enjoyed the video

[@Paddy_Roche]

Bizarrely, whilst you were publishing this video I was researching 3D Printers with a view to buying one. Thank you great video and super timing.

[@sjgonline]

Fantastic! I planed to start learning about 3D Printing. Thank you

[@taidee]

Oh thank you Prof, I'm looking forward to new projects you'll be working on with this printer.

[@mzimmerman1988]

It feels like it was just yesterday, the cheapest 3d printer you could get was 1-2k USD. Progress is good! thanks for the video.

[@ChrisD1984]

Nice! Thank you Christopher for your time and explanation of this printer.

[@M12Howitzer]

Very nice purachse indeed! Congratulations and I hope to see marvelous new 3D prints in your future videos

[@viccie211]

My wife and I bought an Ender 3 V2 about a month ago. It's been really fun experimenting with how to get the best prints. I'm looking forward to your future video's about this subject.

[@technosworld2]

I've owned one of those printers and they're quite good. They were one of the best low cost printers a few years ago but others have come in around the same price....however it's pre-assembled, so no need to worry about putting it together and it does make a good portable machine.

[@Ironic_Jihad]

This is the first time I've ever been truly excited by a YT video, can't wait to get one!

[@resrussia]

Thank you for a very clear introduction to using a 3D printing. I have been thinking about buying one, and you careful and thoughtful presentation has help me understand 3D printing a little better.

[@jamesparker6876]

Thank you again for another amazing video. I just wanted to say, I look forward to all your videos. Your sparkling personality and seemingly endless knowledge is a real treat. Keep doing what you are doing. What you are doing works. Lots of Love, James

[@ExplainingComputers]

Thanks for your kind feedback James, most appreciated. :)

[@tonysheerness2427]

I know or knew nothing about 3D printing until today. The only thing I knew was that an object was built up with molten plastic and that was about it. I now know a lot more of how it is done, thank you, and I may dabble in the future with 3D printing. As you make models you have a need for one, I have to work out a reason for buying one besides wanting one.

[@johnm2012]

Same here. It would be nice to have one and they are not all that expensive but I really don't have a use for one at the moment.

[@ninline2000]

An excellent introduction to 3D printing. I now feel the urge to buy one.

[@loc4725]

I've been thinking about getting a 3D printer for a while, so good job! It's nice to see a well made if basic introduction. 🙂

[@MichelMorinMontreal]

What a talent for teaching: you transform any complex technological subject into a pleasant "intellectual walk" where everything becomes clear and understandable! Thank you very much! (I can see future impressions for our favorite Raspberry Pi!)

[@edstar83]

My first 3D printer was a Monoprice select Mini V1 and it's still going strong.

[@ExplainingComputers]

Excellent! :)

[@ridefast0]

Yes please for more 3D-printing content. I hope to become an armchair expert some day.

[@AMDRADEONRUBY]

Nice my favorite day as ever Sunday! have a nice week

[@ExplainingComputers]

Thank you! You too!

[@christopherleadholm6677]

Hello, fellow Christopher! Back again... This video is awesome! Good product for budget makers, like myself. Seems like it's hard to get wrong, but that may just be the way you teach 😉 Excited and looking forward to see what you come up with in the future with this thing!

[@MegaDaveInc]

Really cool video and the Stormtrooper helmet at the end is a good touch, nicely painted and presented. I look forward to seeing what ideas you have for your new 3D printer...fingers crossed for a fully customised SBC platform with rigging for holding a big cooling fan and other peripherals.

[@richardeadon6396]

The #1 question to ask when considering buying a 3D printer: does it play the original Explaining Computers theme while it prints?

[@ReLive_Photos]

Must admit I do love this channels music at the start and even enjoy the aqwward way he holds a shot between scenes for just a moment too long. Even the odd Stanley the knife and silly parts that don't work so beautifully which means they do.

[@lawrenceallwright7041]

I thought the tune sounded a bit Chinesifed to go with the Chinese lucky cat!😸

[@steelfalconx2000]

I keep ordering printers and they don't seem to have that feature so I just chuck it and order another.

[@djzio]

I returned mine because it didn't!

[@JottyHB]

Congratulations to your printer! I bought a Prusa mini in May 2021 and enjoy it very much. I suggest getting rid of the sd-card and get a rpi with Octoprint. This is a game changer! There are so many extremely useful plug-ins and you can transfer your gcode files directly from your slicer to your printer. Have fun!

[@ExplainingComputers]

Thanks for this -- I am planning a video controlling the printer with OctoPi. :)

[@judsonleach5248]

Me and THE Golden Hound Dog of OHIO are stuck inside... huddled 'round the space heater... as we await "The Great American Blizzard of '22" !! - Thanks! Most Sincerely, Sir! for giving us something GOOD to watch! - Stay safe (and WARM) out there, my 'Merican Friends! Cheers! Judson & Buddy!!!

[@ExplainingComputers]

Stay safe. :)

[@judsonleach5248]

@@ExplainingComputers Thank You, Sir! we just got back from sneaking one last 3 mile walk in... before the expected torrential snow begins in about 2 hours - according to my "sweet vintage" Radio Shack "Weather Cube"! lol - Cheers!! J & B (Ya.. I'm one of those "soldering gun - Super Nerds"! lol )

[@judsonleach5248]

OH!! -PS - I'm still in the middle of constructing a 2 player Raspberry Pi Ms Pac Man Reproduction Table Top system! inspired by the RasPi/PC software episode you did a few months back! I'll send you pics and videos if I can ever find someone to do the silk screening on the enclosure! - Cheers!

[@BharatMohanty]

That older nostalgic explaining computer music... :)

[@ExplainingComputers]

It is indeed!

[@qg786]

I've been 3d printing since 2017 and my 3d printer has gone through many upgrades. This printer is something I might consider as it's nice and small.

[@QuippersUnited]

Your constant, thinly-veiled frustration at unboxing things will never cease to amuse me.

[@KowboyUSA]

Low cost and compact is what's needed to get me into 3D printing.

[@tpobrienjr]

Inspiring. This suggests a way to make a replacement for a knob/lever on my HP 1715 oscilloscope!

[@w1man]

Nice work! Looking forward to upcoming 3D print videos. Very exciting indeed.

[@perrymcclusky4695]

Impressive printer. Hopefully you’ll be able to share some of your filling, sanding and painting advice in a future printer episode. Looking forward to your next video!

[@tuobraun]

Can't wait to watch new 3D printer videos! ❤️ Just got really interested in this topic after this video.

[@Soapy555]

I'm impressed with how polite your cat is, my one just ruins my sofa and knocks glasses of water off my bedside cabinet. Maybe they could play together some time?

[@anthonybowyer1874]

Absolutely superb. Best introduction to 3D printing i've watched, more please.😁

[@andrekz9138]

Congratulations!! 🎉 I can't wait to see more of this 3D printing content! If you haven't named your newly minted 3D cat, I vote for the name "Ms. Whiskers" to accompany Mr Scissors and Stanley the Knife.

[@princeofdenmark9142]

Awesome Chris, great show, I'm looking to get into this.

[@m8harry]

This video is a cracker into to 3d printers for people new to the hobby. Well done!

[@waynestewart1919]

That was fun! Thank you, Mr. Barnatt. I love your humor. And you give some key information in the prcess.

[@TopRacer2002]

Looking forward to seeing more about 3D printing as I've been debating whether to get a 3D printer or not.

[@mikefinn2101]

Thanks first exposure to 3D printing please do more.

[@tusabez1]

Looking forward to seeing you fine tune your future print projects.

[@siterrill]

Thanks for posting! Really looking forward to future 3d printer videos.

[@Colin_Ames]

As always, a very informative video. It will be a while before I get one of these, but will be following your videos on the subject with great interest.

[@IEnjoyCreatingVideos]

Congratulations! on the new 3D printer Chris! looks like it works pretty good :) Thanks for sharing the video with us!💖👍😎JP

[@ExplainingComputers]

Thanks 👍

[@U8uxa8SP]

I'm looking forward to more videos on this subject. Thanks for all your great videos, I love your channel.

[@jimmeeGray]

I have a Prusa, the most expensive Christmas gift I've ever been given and I love it. It's only limited by my ability to create the objects on my computer.

[@markdonnelly1913]

Another great episode. I look forward to the future videos on this subject as I am considering purchasing a 3D printer later in the year, but I am a total noob when it comes to 3D printing.

[@Barabyk]

Had mine for a coupe of years now. Love it and managed to make some very useful projects.

[@mikiethebikie]

Thanks a lot Chris, I look forward to the upcoming videos.

[@midnighttornado22]

I always wondered how these printers built 3D objects, but tbh didn't really care enough to look it up myself. Fortunately, I have this EC channel to properly introduce that to me. Now I know.👍

[@SergiuszRoszczyk]

MP MiniV2... I have one 😍. Bought it 3-4 years ago. Very decent printer. Quite slow but I was even able to print Fiberflex 40D on it at 20-25mm/s. I would forget about ABS, to low temperature, even MP admitted that. You can go with PET-G thou. It tends to stick very well to bed. Drawbacks: generally slow, loud and no thermal run away protection in software. Works very well with OctoPi. On my unit rear switch button got burned (the ball inside melted the plastic) so I had to replace it. Other than that very robust printer. I built a custom ventilated and sound insulated (car audio insulation) cabinet from Ikea Method 40x60cm hanging kitchen unit, two 80mm fans and strip of LED lights and dark tinted glass doors from Ikea. I also printed Pi Camera adapter and attached it to the bed using right screw in front to have a constant view of what printer is doing. Now I moved to Prusa Mini but still like that small printer. It just looks great and is built like a tank.

[@chrisjlocke]

So recommended for a beginner? Or worth spending a bit more on something better?

[@ExplainingComputers]

In my view this remains a good entry-level printer, both in terms of the hardware, but also the wide support out on the web. Also well worth considering are the Ender printers from Creality: www.crealityofficial.co.uk

[@SergiuszRoszczyk]

I think this is good, assembled and not taking much space printer. I got it as a beginner and I'm happy with that decision. Small print volume means short prints anyway. And as a beginner you shouldn't leave printer unattended anyway so you can always power it down immediately. Alternative in this budget would be something from Creality but that takes some time to assemble. But they also have a good community and lots of tutorials.

[@rogerkoh1979]

Was thinking about getting a 3D printer. I think it is a good price for a newbie to start learning . Thank you for another great show.

[@boazkn8049]

I recently bought a monoprice cadet on sale for about 80 pounds. Great little machine prints very easily and accuratley.

[@TheSulross]

thanks - 3D printing was bewildering subject - now have an anchor point of how can get started

[@martinsmith5028]

Great introduction Chris. Been thinking about 3D printing for a while and I'm looking forward to the rest of the series

[@walts555]

👍Excellent on pros/cons and other practical considerations, not just a sell job like other vids of this genre. I like that some of your unboxings go awry; makes the whole effort much more credible.

[@ExplainingComputers]

Thanks 👍

[@Eddiereal]

Man, are we connected through a hive mind? I was thinking about 3D printers yesterday, and I wanted trustworthy content to learn. Look who showed up! Lol! Thank you very much Chris!

[@ExplainingComputers]

We must have that hive link! :)

[@vgfxworks]

always great to see some sense of humor apearing from time to time.. :-D .. blessigns !!

[@saturno_tv]

Ffffffffffirst! Ok, for the second time on 2022. I have to confess that I was expecting for videos about 3D Printing! Excellent!

[@ExplainingComputers]

First again! I would worry if you were not here this time every Sunday. Have a good week. :)

[@chriholt]

This will be a great series - thanks Chris!

[@skakdosmer]

Thank you very much for this video! I find 3D printing really exciting, and I see a lot of potential to make useful things, especially spare parts that have vanished from the market long ago. Still every time I look into the matter, it seems to be too much money and/or too much trouble. And this video has yet again convinced me that it’s not yet time for me to get my own. But I keep watching and hoping…

[@reggiep75]

That Stormtrooper print was nice and clean but most smooth/gently contoured models tend to print well. It's the sharp corners and right angles that causes problems for extrusion 3D printing. I read and watch various things regarding 3D printing but it's not a fool proof process, nor do I have the financial outlay for another hobby like 3D printing, so I just enjoy and appreciate other peoples experiences in 3D printing. Looking forwards to various projects on here to enjoy. 🙂👍

[@redrobbosworkshop]

I've been thinking about getting a small 3D printer for some time. You've just persuaded me to get one :)

[@NewAgeDIY]

Hello and good morning from Vancouver. Nice interesting printer, I’m amazed at low the cost is. I have a printer that I purchased in 2019 and for a lot more money. Of course the cost of 3D printers have come down so much I can’t see why any Maker can’t afford one now. Your video should convince people that now is the time to buy! Would like to see more on this subject.

[@markweaver1963]

Another great and informative video on a subject I'm still on the fence about. Just have to trawl through the plethora of printers to see which fits my needs best. Well done mate, looking forward to more 3d print lessons from this channel. 👍👍👍

[@johnstogner6397]

Great video. I am looking forward to the next in the series. This will be helpful to many. Getting started with 3D printing is a bit rocky without knowing that flow. Most guides kind of skip that and assume readers know. Fantastic!

[@Araye]

I'm glad you're doing this. Very curious.